North of Boston Marathon Profile: Maura Sousa

Wednesday

Apr 14, 2010 at 12:01 AMApr 14, 2010 at 2:23 PM

See the Video of Maura in the story.

Kirk Williamson

Maura Sousa

Q: Why do you run marathons?
A: I am running for Miles for Miracles, which is the marathon team for Children’s Hospital in Boston. I think there are 250 of us. I also ran the Chicago Marathon for them. I was running the Marathon anyways, so I thought I should do it for a cause. My kids are healthy, and I am always thankful for that, so I run for Children’s. I do enjoy running and I also definitely do it to challenge myself.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE STORY TO SEE THE VIDEO

Q: How do you train for a marathon?
A: I do an 18-week training program, where you increase your mileage weekly and you do a day of speed work during the week. The mileage runs anywhere from 5 to 21, which is the most I’ve run. I train alone — sometime it’s hard to find someone to train with. You need a few hours of time, and for someone with three kids, you have to fit it in where you can.

Q: How long have you been running competitively?
A: I ran cross country in high school, and then I started running again about seven years ago. I started running again to get in shape after I had my third child. I’ve done a bunch of small races, three marathons and two half-marathons. I actually like the half-marathons the best, because you get to challenge yourself, but it doesn’t take as much of a time commitment.

Running achievements: Top 10 in age group in the Bridgton (Maine) Four on the Fourth.